Contests

Santorum Plans Campaign Event In Minnesota

Republican presidential hopeful and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum addresses a crowd at the Stoney Creek Inn on January 3, 2012 in Johnston, Iowa. Santorum, who was polling in the single digits until recently, is expected to finish first or second in today's Iowa caucus.(credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Out of the Florida hunt, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum plans two Midwestern stops Monday, including one in Minnesota.

The former Pennsylvania senator is due to hold an afternoon appearance at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Mo., followed by an evening event in southwestern Minnesota. His event at a Pizza Ranch in Luverne, Minn., would make him the first 2012 presidential candidate to campaign in the state this year.

Minnesota holds its precinct caucuses next week, but the results of a preference poll are nonbinding. Texas Rep. Ron Paul is airing TV ads in the state.

Santorum and Paul have all but conceded Florida, where Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are competing hard for a win Tuesday.